Atomic number 15
Atomic weight 30.973761
Symbol: P
Above is a picture of red phosphorus
Above is a picture of bombs containing phosphorus
It is also used in fertilizer and detergents.
There are three colors of phosphorus, a white form, a red form, and a black form,
and another clear form, which is pure phosphorus.
These forms each have a different density:
(White) 1.823 g-cm3
(Red) 2.34 g-cm3
(Black) 2.69 g-cm3
Phosphorus has a waxy texture, and is a nonmetal, resulting in a low malleability
and ductility.
State of Matter at Room temperature- Solid
Conductivity:
Thermal: 0.24 J/m-sec-deg
Electrical: 0 1/mohm-cm
The Melting Point of Phosphorus is: 44,2 degrees Celsius.
The boiling point is 280 degrees Celsius.
The different types of Phosphorus have different chemical properties
White Phosphorus is highly flammable when exposed to air, glows in the dark, and
is highly toxic.
The red Phosphorus can change colors from orange to purple due to changes in
its chemical composition (as to why it is only called red, I have no idea).
Black Phosphorus, which is made under high pressure, conducts electricity like
its look-alike graphite.
The Discovery of Phosphorus
Phosphorus was discovered by Hennig Brand in 1669 in evaporated urine. Most
phosphorus occurs in phosphate rock. It is an essential part of our diet. It is found
in DNA, and is used in steel alloys, phosphor bronze, and even bombs.
Phosphorus Fun Facts
Phosphorus was originally found by a guy burning his urine….
With calcium it makes up much of our bones’ nutrients.
It is found in green vegetables
Livers and Kidneys are sources of this nutrient if you want to eat it.
Phosphorus is highly explosive and used in bombs.
Jason Bernotsky and John Kolcharno. Period 5